Service off the Kinni

Twin Cities

Organization Description: Relationship-based services that support, respect, and empower the whole person. Simple positive friendship provides a bright spot during incarceration and provides support and a “sounding board” for things offenders are working through in their lives.

Volunteer Opportunities: Trained volunteers are matched with individual offenders. Volunteers commit to visiting, writing and forming a true friendship with offenders over a year or more. Available at Lino Lakes, Shakopee, Stillwater, and Oak Park Heights.

Contact: Robyn Haugan (612)348-8570 www.amicususa.org

Organization Description: The Animal Human Society is dedicated to creating a more humane world for animals by promoting the responsible treatment of animals and by enriching the relationship between animals and people that enhances human lives immeasurably.

Volunteers are trained to assist in the following Society departments: Foster Parent Program Grooming Veterinary Services Adoption Reception Development Behavior Helpline Dog Training School Special Events Shelter Tours

Contact: St. Paul: Call (651)645-7387 ext. 362 for information session dates and (651)645-7387 ext. 124 for more information about the St. Paul volunteer program. Woodbury: Call (651)730-6008 ext. 17 for information session dates or more information about the Woodbury volunteer program.

Organization Description: Various locations in the St. Paul Public School district. Avid is a national program whose mission is to assist students who are in the "academic middle" to prepare them for admission to four year colleges and universities.

Volunteer Opportunities: Volunteer tutors needed for 8-11th grade students to provide support students in their learning process. Training provided. Tutors may be paid $10.00/hour or opt for volunteer/service option.

Hours: In-school and after-school programs.

Contact: Dr. Darlene Fry, for application and interview. (651)793-5532

Organization Description: Camp Heartland is a national non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children, youth and their families facing HIV/AIDS, poverty, grief and other significant life challenges. The purpose of Camp Heartland is to create a community in which campers build life-long friendships with other children impacted by HIV/AIDS, learn life skills, are liberated from secrets, gain self-confidence and make memories to hold onto throughout the year.

Volunteer Opportunities: Help serve as a Camp Heartland counselor.

Contact: Jill Rudolph, Camp Director (888)545-6658 or(218)372-3988

Organization Description: Camp Odayin provides camping experiences for young people with heart disease, where campers discover outdoor, athletic, and creative activities in a safe and medically supervised environment.

Volunteer Opportunities: All programs are staffed entirely by volunteers. From doctors and nurses to cabin counselors, most of the staff work with children on a regular basis. There is a minimum age of 20 for all volunteers. Training and support are provided to all volunteers.

Contact: (651)351-9185 www.campodayin.org info@campodayin.org

Organization Description: The mission of the Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center is to foster appreciation and inspire stewardship of the natural world through quality environmental education, conservation practices, and outdoor experiences for visitors of all ages and capabilities.

Volunteer Opportunities: Volunteers are an important part of Carpenter Nature Center and there are many ways in which you can help:

Naturalist Assistant: Help teach/lead small group hikes. Ages of students vary but primarily K-5th. Teaching experience helpful but the only requirement is enthusiasm and willingness to share nature with children.

Animal Care: There are a variety of animals used for educational purposes. Help is needed with feeding, cleaning, and general care of these animals. No experience needed, training is provided.

Gardeners: Volunteers help plan, plant, and tend the gardens at CNC. Also looking for people to help with the apple orchard.

Special Events: A lot of volunteers are needed to help staff positions for the Apple Blossom Races in May and Apple Fest in October.

All volunteers receive: Free use of snowshoes at CNC 10% off gift shop items Invitation to Volunteer Social Events Subscription to CNC newsletter Hourly awards

Contact: (651)437-4359

Organization Description: Clare Housing provides shelter, services and compassionate care to persons living with HIV and AIDs in the Twin Cities.

Volunteer Opportunities: Clare Housing relies on the generous gifts of time, energy and spirit given by its volunteer workforce of over 150 people. Multiple opportunities exist:

Companionship, nurturing care and support: Prepare the evening meal at one of their five homes located in Minneapolis or at Clare House in St. Paul. Assist with housekeeping, laundry, lawn and garden care, snow shoveling, etc. Visit and spend time with residents. Be at one of the houses to answer the phone, run errands, and fill in the gaps as needed.

Administrative and organizational support: Assist with data management, special mailings, general office support, thank you notes, typing and phone calls. Participate in committees focused on fundraising, public relations, and special events. Contribute to the production and distribution of their newsletter, The Clarion. Support community-based special events in a variety of ways, including planning, securing materials and items specific to the event, helping to promote the event, and attending and enjoying the activities!

Contact: Lee Haugee (612)236-9527 www.clarehousing.org/volunteering

Organization Description: Common Roots Café is dedicated to serving good food made from scratch - using high quality, local, organic, and fair-trade ingredients. Their goals are ambitious. They opened in July of 2007 with a commitment to provide support for local farmers, operate in an environmentally responsible way, serve as a community meeting place, and pay a living wage and benefits to their employees. They host many public events, such as a series of meetings with farmers to talk about what

Contact: Danny Schwartzman (612)871-2360 visit www.commonrootscafe.com for more information

Organization Description: Community Action Council provides support to people and communities to try to prevent violence, ensure school success and promote long-term self-sufficiency.

Volunteer Opportunities: A wide variety of volunteer opportunities are available in 40 locations in Scott and Dakota counties (including the Lewis House in Hastings, MN)

Contact: Jeanne Nordstrom (952)985-4020

Organization Description: Community Fitness Today, Inc. is a not-for-profit, community based organization whose mission is to improve the health status of minorities through education, fitness, and prevention program.

The goal is to address underlying causes of health risks through culturally specific programs that will modify behaviors and educate people to make healthy lifestyle choices. Principles of history, heritage, and culture are used to inspire individuals and families to maximize their potential for wellness and personal growth.

Contact: (612)824-8610 www.communityfitnesstoday.org

Organization Description: The mission of Courage Center is to empower people with physical disabilities to reach their full potential in every aspect of life. We are guided by the vision that one day, all people will live, work, learn and play in a community based on abilities, not disabilities.

Volunteer Opportunities:

Aquatic Therapy Assistant - Youth Help children of all ages learn swimming and safety skills. Being in the pool is a great benefit to you too. Complete training is provided. Times: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings; Thursday and Saturday mornings

Aquatic Therapy Assistant – Adult Help stroke survivors in a 92-degree therapy pool. Assist the participant with low impact exercises, range-of-motion and stretching. Complete training is provided. Times: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 10:00am-11:00am, Monday and Wednesday, 11:00am-12:00pm

Maintenance Calling all handy persons! Help spruce up the building by assisting with touch-up painting, small repairs, outdoor gardening and general maintenance. It's a big building and we would appreciate your help. Very flexible schedule. Times: Days or early evenings, 2-3 hours a week.

Health Information Assistant A detail-oriented individual to assist in our Health Information Department in sorting and filing documents, preparing charts and performing other clerical duties. Training is provided. Times: Hours are flexible, Monday through Friday

Youth Fitness Assistant Help youth develop lifetime fitness and nutrition habits. Assist clients through an individualized fitness-training program using circuit activities, music and games. Times: Tuesday and Thursday, 4:30pm-5:30pm

Academic Services Assistant Help clients reach their educational goals. Work one-to-one on academic tasks and computer skills. Meet new people, review basic educational skills and know that you have helped someone master educational survival tasks. Times: Tuesday afternoons during the school year.

Life Enrichment Program Assist children or adults with disabilities to develop social, leisure and leadership skills in structured group therapy sessions. Assist therapist with room set-up, structured group or individual activities, goals of the activity session and room clean up. Seeking individuals who are cheerful, patient and positive. Gain valuable experience in a therapy setting. Times: 3-6 week sessions throughout the year;1-3 hours per week.

Fibromyalgia Support Group Leader Assistant Assist our Fibromyalgia Support Group leader to plan agendas, contact speakers, attend meetings and maintain resource file. A good fit for those who enjoy supporting others and leading groups. Some knowledge of fibromyalgia or an interest in learning more about it is a must. Times: 5-10 hours per month plus eight meetings a year on the 4th Monday of each month from 7:00pm-8:30pm.

Yoga - Adults Enjoy yoga? Want to share your love of it with others? We need assistants in our adult yoga class. Help set up for class and assist clients with various positions during class. Some experience with yoga is helpful, but training is provided. Times: Tuesdays, 9:00am-10:00am

Contact: Lisa Gacek (651)351-2337

Organization Description: Founded in 1987, Feed My Starving Children is a non-profit Christian organization with a mission of “Feeding God's Starving Children Hungry in Body and Spirit.” The approach is simple: volunteers of all ages pack highly nutritious meals for severely malnourished children. The meals are distributed to starving children in over 45 countries around the world.

Volunteer Opportunities: Volunteers work in teams to measure food ingredients into bags, weigh and heat-seal bags, and pack completed meals into boxes to be shipped to children around the world.

Contact: visit www.fmsc.org and click on “volunteer form”

Organization Description: Everyone deserves a chance to learn, explore and have fun in a safe, relaxing environment. Friendship Ventures has been creating opportunities for kids and adults with developmental and physical disabilities since 1964.

Volunteer Opportunities: Volunteer at one of many Resident Camps and Respite Care Programs at Camp Friendship near Annandale, Camp Eden Wood in Eden Prairie, and Camp New Hope, near McGregor.

Contact: (952)852-0101 fv@friendshipventures.org www.friendshipventures.org

Organization Description: Hope House provides assisted care for people living with HIV/AIDS who are no longer able to live independently. Licensed under Minnesota rules as Adult Foster Care, Hope House is one of five co-housing facilities in the State and the only one outside the urban Twin Cities. Hope House of St. Croix Valley provides a non-judgmental home with compassionate care, respecting the dignity of people living with HIV/AIDS.

Volunteer Opportunities:

Volunteers fill many important roles in the work and mission of Hope House: Volunteer cooks prepare and serve the evening meal and are invited to dine with residents. Household helpers assist with cleaning, laundry, errands, visiting, transportation to and from appointments and gardening. Handypersons make minor on-site repairs. Office assistants provide clerical support. Fund-raisers help with various Hope House functions and events. Board members provide governance for Hope House.

Contact: www.hopehousescv.org

Organization Description: Human Services, Inc. is a dedicated, caring community offering hope and help to children, adolescents, adults, the elderly and families in Washington County, MN who struggle with aging, transportation, chemical and mental health, and domestic and sexual abuse.

Volunteer Opportunities:

Meals on Wheels Deliver meals to homebound individuals

Circle of Friends Adult Day Program Anytime Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Contact: Celinda Doyle (651)439-9691

Organization Description: An inter-racial, non-political, non-sectarian social service agency that serves both foreign and native-born. It is affiliated with the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) and the United Way.

Volunteer Opportunities:

Math tutoring: pre-algebra and pharmacology tutors needed for Medical Career Advancement Students. Contact Andrea Schwanz (651)647-0191 x 346 Tutor “Medical Career Advancement Program” students in general science and nursing subjects. One hour a week on average. Contact: Carol DaBruzzi (651)647-0191 x313 Tutor “English for Work” students with basic computer skills. Classes meet Monday to Thursday from 8:30am-12:00pm Contact: Dominique Winders (651)647-0191 x340 Assist with computer lab classes for academic English students. Classes meet Tuesday and Friday mornings from 9:30am-11:45am Contact Robbie Hamblen (651)647-0191 x 317 Conduct mock citizenship interviews with students. Usually need volunteers every 6 weeks for a few hours on Saturday mornings or Tuesday evenings. Will be added to a call list and contacted as the date approaches. Contact Corleen Smith, Office Manager, ESL & Citizenship Coordinator Enter names and mailing addresses into a database. A great opportunity for someone who enjoys typing and working independently. This is a short-term project with flexible hours. Contact Corleen Smith (651)647-0191 x 307 for more information. Envelope stuffing vmckenna@iimn.org Learn a new culture without leaving home. Befriend and mentor a refugee woman or man through the Refugee Mentoring Program. Training provided. Weekly, 6-month minimum commitment. Contact Barbara Stone at (651)647-0191 x348 We have over 6000 volunteers during our Festival of Nations. Contact Vicki at (651)647-0191 x 311

Organization Description: Justice Squared is a literacy program working with a variety of schools in the Twin Cities area.

Contact: Traci Holman (612)338-7816

Organization Description: Lutheran Social Service shares a vision that all people have the opportunity to live and work in a community with dignity, safety, and hope.

Volunteer Opportunities: Community partners and volunteers are needed to help this vision become a reality. Here is how you can help! Work with programs such as the Homeless Youth and Transitional Housing program, Refugee and Employment Services program, Sponsor a Family program, Guardianship programs, the Personal Finance Center, Disaster Services, Personal Support services and In-kind donations.

Contact: www.lssmn.org

Organization Description: Since 1983, the Minnesota AIDS Project (MAP) has been a leader in the fight against HIV and AIDS. Founded by a small group of dedicated volunteers, MAP has grown to a staff of more than 55 and a volunteer base of more than 1,400 to meet the challenges of this epidemic. MAP has combated ignorance and fear through education, forcefully advocated for the rights of those affected by HIV, and provided compassionate care for those living with HIV and AIDS.

Contact: (612)341-2060 www.mnaidsproject.org

Organization Description: Minnesota Children's Museum is at the heart of where fun meets learning. It's where kids can touch, climb, splash, crawl, push, pull, and press it all. Children ages 6 months through 10 years and their adult guests can explore seven galleries packed with extraordinary hands-on adventures.

Volunteer Opportunities: There are a variety of ways for you to get involved and volunteer at Minnesota Children's Museum! Whether you'd prefer to lead art activities in the classroom, play in the galleries or assist behind the scenes in the office, there is a great opportunity for you to give your time at the Minnesota Children's Museum.

Contact: (651)225-6046 volunteers@mcm.org

Organization Description: The Minnesota Conservation Corps (MCC) is a non-profit organization that provides hands-on environmental stewardship and service-learning opportunities to youth and young adults while accomplishing natural resource projects. A position with MCC involves physically challenging, team-oriented work while learning and teaching about the environment.

Volunteer Opportunities: Help the MCC as a Crew Leader, Assistant Crew Leader, Head Cook, Assistant Cook, Assistant Director, Education Coordinator or Work Project Coordinator.

Contact: (651)209-9900 www.conservationcorps.org

Volunteer Opportunities: Help improve reading skills of children ages 3-grade 3 by committing to one-year of service. You will provide classroom instruction in reading and writing and are able to serve in one of three full-time or part-time positions: Literacy Coordinator, Classroom Member or Volunteer Coordinator.

Contact: Anna Peters (651)251-9059 www.theMLC.org/ReadingCorps

Organization Description: The mission of the Neighborhood House is to build doorways of opportunity for vibrant, diverse communities by meeting essential human needs, facilitating active participation in community life, and providing access to additional community resources and programs.

Volunteer Opportunities: Neighborhood House offers a wide variety of volunteer opportunities that allow you to use your skills and interests to help others, learn new things, make new friends, and feel great about giving back to the community. Volunteers serve on the board of directors and committees and also work with staff in the food shelf, youth and senior programs, administration, English language learner classes, and many other areas.

Contact: (651)789-2500 www.neighb.org

Organization Description: Located in the historic Crosby Mansion in the Phillips neighborhood of Minneapolis, Park House is a place where individuals with HIV/AIDS can find support and socialization, while developing skills to increase physical health and emotional wellness. Park House provides limited nursing care, psychosocial support, creative and complementary therapies, nutrition and collaborative treatment planning with physicians and case managers.

Park House exists to enhance the quality of life, maximize human dignity, promote the independence, and minimize hospitalization and institutionalization of persons living with HIV/AIDS.

Volunteer Opportunities: Park House volunteers can make a powerful difference in the lives of those they serve.

Contact: (612)871-1264 www.abbottnorthwestern.com/ahs/anw.nsf/page/park_house_giving

Organization Description: Planned Parenthood has provided the community with education and confidential reproductive health care at an affordable cost for more than 70 years.

Volunteer Opportunities: Help as a Clinic Administrative Assistant, Education Program Evaluator, Sexuality Educator, or Information Technology Intern.

Contact: (612)821-6113 volunteers@ppmns.org

Organization Description: Sharing and Caring Hands was founded in 1985 as a safety net organization to help those who could not obtain help from the welfare system. It exists as a vehicle for volunteers to commit their time and resources to making a difference in the lives of the people of the community.

Volunteer Opportunities: The organization is run and operated almost entirely by volunteers so there are plenty of ways to help!

Contact: (612)338-4640

Organization Description: TakeAction is the state's leading progressive organization. They work to unite the power of diverse individuals, communities and organizations to bring about social, racial and economic justice. TakeAction works year-round to organize at the grassroots, get progressives elected to office, and advocate for just and fair policy at both the state and local level.

Volunteer Opportunities: Help with various grassroots organizing efforts.

Contact: (651)641-6199 info@TakeActionMinnesota.org

Organization Description: The Aliveness Project is a non-profit community center that provides a variety of direct services each day to people living with HIV/AIDS. These services are possible only because of a strong and caring base of volunteers.

Volunteer Opportunities: Although there are specific times listed for certain tasks, they are flexible and willing to accommodate your schedule to the extent possible. Can't commit to much? Substitutes are also needed!

Front Desk Receptionists Front desk volunteers greet visitors, answer the telephone and schedule complementary therapy appointments for members. Phone and computer training provided. 9:00am - 1:00pm, Monday through Friday 1:00pm - 5:00pm, Monday through Friday 5:00pm - 8:00pm, Monday through Friday 10:00am - 1:00pm, Saturday

Errand Drivers Occasionally there is a parcel to drop off or pick up somewhere in the Twin Cities. Volunteer drivers are needed to help run these errands.

Kitchen Duties include food prep and cooking, staffing the serving window, dishwashing, and cleaning-up the dining room. 11:15am - 2:30pm, Monday through Friday 4:15pm - 8:00pm, Tuesday through Thursday 10:00am - 2:00pm, Saturday

Food Shelf Food Shelf volunteers help pack bags of food and distribute them to members, stock the shelves, and repackage bulk commodities into smaller sizes for distribution. Another way to support our Food Shelf is by organizing a food drive at your school, workplace, community organization, church or other faith group, or local supermarket. 10:00am - 2:00pm, Monday, Wednesday and Friday

Computer Help Web designing, database maintenance, troubleshooting, or teaching a “computer basics” course. One-year commitment preferred.

Office Volunteers Help with data entry, filing, licking envelopes and making phone calls. Training provided.

Housekeeping Tasks could include vacuuming carpets, cleaning bathrooms, dusting furniture, emptying trash cans, and mopping floors. Can accommodate nearly any schedule.

Library Need assistance organizing, cataloging, checking-in, shelving, filing and weeding out the collection. You are welcome at any time that is convenient for you.

Mailings Volunteers gather to staple, label and sort the monthly newsletter for bulk mailing. Occasionally special mailing are sent to announce a special event or fundraiser. 9:30am - 12:00pm on the last Wednesday of the month (usually)

Professional Services Seeking individuals with degrees, licenses or certifications in areas like: acupuncture, chiropractic, healing touch, massage therapists, music and art therapists, nutritionists, reflexologists, reiki, shiatsu, veterinarians, barbers/hair stylists, yoga instructors, and tai chi instructors.

Special Events Dining Out for Life, Holiday Baskets, The Red Ribbon Ride, Twin Cities Pride, and the HIV Community Picnic are just a few of the events that require the time and talents of additional volunteers each year.

Groups Church, community, and school groups are always welcome at the Aliveness Project.

Politically Alive Task Force Register members to vote, drive them to the polls or a political rally. Organize around injustice facing the low-income HIV/AIDS community. Help members to understand and exercise their rights.

Contact: Monica Travis (612)822-7946 volunteer@aliveness.org

Organization Description: The Bridge for Runaway Youth, Inc., is a non-profit, community-based agency that ensures a safe and enriching environment for youth in crisis by providing shelter, building life skills and assisting families in conflict.

The Bridge offers a dynamic and supportive environment with creative and committed colleagues and an opportunity to contribute in a meaningful way to youth and families in our community.

Contact: Tracy Tyler (612)377-8800 www.bridgeforyouth.org

Organization Description: The United Way fights poverty by meeting basic needs, improving educational achievement and increasing financial stability.

Volunteer Opportunities: United Way Caring Connection has over 100 projects all across the Twin Cities metro – so you can volunteer where you live or work.

Contact: www.whirl.unitedwaytwincities.org

Organization Description: Volunteers of America Minnesota is one of the oldest, largest, and most comprehensive social service organizations in the state. Their programs and services provide a wide variety of services to children and their families, homeless women and their children, school students, adults with special needs, adult and youth ex-offenders, and senior citizens.

Contact: www.voamn.org

Organization Description: The University of Minnesota Youth and AIDS Projects (YAP) was founded in 1989, with a mission to prevent the transmission of HIV to and from high-risk youth and to provide care to youth and families living with HIV infection.

The governing philosophy is that adolescents can and do make responsible health-related decisions, given appropriate resources and support.

YAP programs are grounded in the belief that HIV-related services for youth must be developmentally appropriate, culturally competent, coordinated, family-centered in order to be effective.

As both a University and community-based organization, YAP intertwines service provision, research, and teaching in all aspects of programming.

Contact: http://yapmn.com

Organization Description: The YWCA is a women's membership movement nourished by its roots in the Christian faith and sustained by the richness of many beliefs and values. Strengthened by diversity, the YWCA draws together members who strive to create opportunities for women's growth, leadership, and power in order to attain a common vision: peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all people.

Volunteer Opportunities: Help serve as a Discover Girl Power Summer Camp Intern, Beacon Program Assistant, Classroom Partner, Discovery Leadership Program Partner, Event Assistant, Girls Softball Coach, Girl Power Partner, Infant Classroom Assistant, or Racial Justice Facilitator.

Contact: www.ywcampls.org/volunteer/index.asp